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The Education for All Handicapped Children Act
Known as The Education for All Handicapped Children Act today. Identifies occupational therapy as a related service in schools for students with disabilities. The Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975. (n.d.). U.S. GAO. https://www.gao.gov/products/113316 -
AOTA delineates the roles of OTs and COTAs
Occupational Therapists (OTs) are responsible for client evaluation, therapeutic interventions, discharging the client, and making clinical decisions. The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) works under the supervision of the OT. They may carry out interventions and document them, but not create the plans. What is an OTR or a COTA professional. (n.d.). NBCOT. https://www.nbcot.org/occupational-therapy/what-is-an-otr-or-cota -
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OT Historical Timeline
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First stand-alone Occupational Therapy Code of Ethics is adopted by AOTA
Set standards for ethical behaviors in OT practice. 1977: Important events in OT’s history. (n.d.). https://www.otcentennial.org/100-events/1977 -
The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1980
Classifies OT as a qualified home health benefit, and classifies outpatient rehab facilities as providers under Medicare Part B. U.S. Congress. (n.d.). H.R.7765 - 96th Congress (1979-1980): Omnibus reconciliation act of 1980 | congress.gov | library of Congress. https://www.congress.gov/bill/96th-congress/house-bill/7765 -
The Education of the Handicapped Amendments
The Education of the Handicapped Amendment of 1986 was an updated version of the Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975. This act comprehensive early intervention system that includes family centered services and individualized service plans for ages birth through 2. This act also required states to have free appropriate public education for ages 3 through 5 as well as funding for special education for aged 3 through 5. -
Title IV: The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act
The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act established a minimum standard of care in nursing homes that participated in Medicare or Medicaid funding. Patient rights in the nursing home such as being except of unnecessary restraints and being apart of their own care plan. Also included, The Pre-Admission Screening and Resident Review which screened for any mental illness or developmental disabilities before entering the nursing facility. -
ADA Signed
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was enacted, which expanded opportunities for occupational therapy through increased focus on accessibility and accommodations. -
EHA becomes IDEA
The reauthorization of the Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EHA) elicited several changes to the law, including adding TBI and autism as recognized disability categories, and requiring a transition plan for all students nearing graduation. Although the name of the law was changed from EHA to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), OT was still listed as a related service, ensuring continued support for eligible students. -
Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990
The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act was passed, enabling Medicare to cover partial hospitalization program (PHP) services, and furthering the scope of occupational therapy in community mental health settings. -
Medicaid Reform
The Medicaid reform boosted quality of care. More people were able to obtain healthcare, and each state Medicare group can determine the expense for medicare. -
IIRIRA: AOTA Requirements For Occupational Therapist
The Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act (IIRIRA) of 1996 requires certification for foreign Occupational Therapist workers seeking Visa's in the U.S. Such workers must comply with the the AOTA requirement and standards for Occupational Therapists. -
The Balanced Budget Act of 1997 (P.L. 105-33)
The Balanced Budget Act of 1997 lead to an obstacle for OT's to face due to cuts to Medicare. Major changes were transitioning to a Prospective Payment System for home health, skilled nursing/inpatient rehabilitation facilities, and except for Hospital Outpatient Departments, expanding the cap on private practitioners to therapy and placing every Part B Payment ($1500) under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule.